Senior Brand & Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand & Product Designer

Company: Valkyrie

Location: Austin, TX

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand & Product Design

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand identity evolution and maintain scalable visual systems for a growing applied science firm.

• Develop cohesive brand experiences and product interfaces that translate complex scientific and technical ideas into clear, elegant visual solutions.

• Design a wide array of marketing collateral, from pitch decks and proposals to digital content and event materials.

• Create and refine user interfaces, prioritizing usability, accessibility, and aesthetic excellence in product design.

• Contribute to and maintain design systems, component libraries, and pattern documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a hybrid one, indicating a need for local presence in Austin, TX, with flexibility for remote work. The emphasis on "high-ownership" and "versatile" suggests a need for a candidate who can independently manage multiple design disciplines and adapt to evolving business needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and evolve scalable brand systems, including logos, typography, color palettes, and comprehensive visual guidelines across Valkyrie and sub-brands.

• Ensure brand consistency across all teams and touchpoints while allowing for thoughtful creative expression across various mediums.

• Create compelling marketing materials such as pitch decks, executive presentations, proposals, one-pagers, case studies, and sales sheets.

• Produce engaging digital content, campaign assets, merchandise, event materials, and internal swag to build culture and brand affinity.

• Design user interfaces that prioritize usability, accessibility, and aesthetic excellence, collaborating closely with product and engineering teams.

• Contribute to and maintain design systems, component libraries, and pattern documentation for product development.

• Prototype and clearly communicate interaction concepts to product and engineering teams, translating technical capabilities into intuitive user experiences.

• Support the wide range of visual needs for a growing company, from social graphics to conference booths.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both strategic brand development and tactical execution of product and marketing design. The need to translate "complex scientific and technical ideas" suggests a requirement for a designer who can grasp and simplify intricate concepts for various audiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of demonstrated experience in visual design, with a proven track record across brand identity, marketing collateral, and product/UX design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong portfolio showcasing versatility in branding, marketing collateral, and UX/product design.

• Solid foundation in typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience building and maintaining scalable design systems.

• Ability to prototype and communicate interaction concepts effectively.

• Collaborative mindset with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfort and proficiency in moving between high-craft brand work and quick-turn production design tasks.

• Understanding of usability, accessibility, and aesthetic excellence in UI design.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion design or animation capabilities.

• Front-end development knowledge (HTML/CSS).

• Experience designing for data-heavy or AI/ML-driven products.

• Background working in fast-paced, iterative startup or consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice-to-haves" suggest the company is working with advanced technologies (AI/ML, data-heavy products) and values candidates with a blend of creative and technical understanding, as well as adaptability to dynamic environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates versatility across branding, marketing collateral, and UX/product design disciplines.

• Specific case studies showcasing the design process from concept to execution, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Examples of scalable brand system development, including logos, visual guidelines, and their application across various touchpoints.

• Prototypes and mockups illustrating user interface designs, interaction concepts, and user flows for digital products.

• Evidence of experience in building and maintaining design systems, including component libraries and pattern documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you approach translating complex scientific or technical ideas into clear, elegant visual systems.

• Demonstrate your process for ensuring brand consistency while allowing for creative expression across different mediums.

• Outline your methodology for collaborating with cross-functional teams (data scientists, engineers, product leaders) to develop user experiences.

• Provide examples of how you manage quick-turn production design tasks alongside high-craft brand work.

• Illustrate your approach to developing and maintaining design systems and component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not only display finished work but also the thought process, strategic rationale, and collaboration methods employed. For this role, demonstrating the ability to simplify complex technical concepts visually is a critical component.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Tremendous growth potential within a rapidly expanding company.

• Open and unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick time, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Flexible working hours to accommodate personal schedules and optimize productivity.

• Comprehensive health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) options for managing healthcare expenses.

• 401K retirement savings plan.

• Included parking for on-site employees.

• Onsite gym and showers for employee convenience and well-being.

• Stocked kitchen with healthy snacks, drinks, and coffee.

• Regular team events, including happy hours, catered lunches, and other social outings to foster team cohesion.

Working Hours: The company offers flexible hours, implying a focus on results and productivity rather than strict adherence to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, though a standard full-time workload is expected (estimated at 40 hours/week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Brand & Product Designer role in Austin, TX, considering the experience level and the company's industry (applied science). The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Applied Science / Technology. Valkyrie operates in the cutting-edge field of applied science, likely involving complex data, AI/ML, or scientific research. This context suggests a culture that values innovation, intellectual rigor, and precision.

Company Size: The description implies a growing company, likely in the startup or early-stage growth phase (potentially 50-250 employees, though not explicitly stated). This size often means a dynamic environment with high impact opportunities for individuals and a need for adaptability.

Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a design leadership or marketing/product lead, working within a cross-functional team.

• Collaboration is expected with data scientists, engineers, and product leaders, indicating a highly integrated team structure.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through collaboration with data scientists and the focus on AI/ML products.

• Iterative design processes are suggested by the mention of a "fast-paced, iterative startup or consulting environments."

• Emphasis on clear visual communication to translate complex technical concepts.

Company Website: valkyrie.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Valkyrie's focus on applied science and technology suggests a culture that is intellectually stimulating, innovative, and potentially fast-paced. The Senior Designer will likely need to be comfortable with ambiguity and rapid iteration common in such environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior individual contributor role. It signifies a level of expertise where the designer is expected to lead projects, mentor junior designers (if any), and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of brand and product design. The role demands a high degree of autonomy and ownership.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Designer typically reports to a Design Lead, Head of Design, Creative Director, or a senior leader within Marketing or Product. This role involves close collaboration with product managers, engineers, and data scientists.

Operations Impact: The Senior Brand & Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on Valkyrie's brand perception, market positioning, and user experience of its products. Their work will be critical in communicating the value of complex scientific innovations to clients, partners, and the wider market, directly influencing business development and product adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like AI/ML product design, motion graphics, or advanced brand system development.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role as the company scales, overseeing design strategy and team growth.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in product strategy, brand vision, and cross-functional decision-making.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning through exposure to cutting-edge scientific concepts and technologies, fostering unique design insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential, moving beyond execution to strategic contribution. The "tremendous growth potential" mentioned in perks suggests a company that invests in its employees' career progression, making this an attractive opportunity for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing specifies "Austin, TX (must be local)" and lists "Parking Included" and "Onsite gym & showers," strongly indicating a physical office environment. The mention of "Flexible hours, work from home as needed" points towards a hybrid model.

Office Location(s): Austin, TX. Specific office details are not provided, but the inclusion of parking and gym suggests a well-equipped facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with data scientists, engineers, and product leaders means the workspace will likely facilitate teamwork and open communication.

• Technology-rich: As an applied science firm, the office is expected to be equipped with modern design tools and technologies.

• Supportive culture: Perks like a stocked kitchen, team events, and a focus on innovation suggest a positive and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Flexible hours are offered, allowing employees to adjust their schedules to optimize productivity and work-life balance, while still fulfilling full-time employment expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, combined with on-site amenities like a gym and stocked kitchen, suggests a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and productivity, offering a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you'll walk through your portfolio, highlighting relevant case studies that demonstrate your brand, marketing, and product design skills. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you translate complex ideas.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including engineers, data scientists, and product managers, to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A discussion focusing on strategic thinking, cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the Senior Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across brand, marketing, and product design. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex technical information.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Brand Systems & UX: Ensure you have clear examples of brand identity work, comprehensive visual guidelines, and user interface designs with a focus on usability and aesthetic excellence.

• Showcase Design Systems: If you have experience building or contributing to design systems, make this a prominent feature, explaining its structure and benefits.

• Prepare for Technical Translation: Be ready to discuss how you approach making complex scientific or technical concepts visually understandable and engaging.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise, which might involve a creative brief for a brand asset, a marketing collateral piece, or a UI challenge related to data visualization or a technical product.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, strategic thinking, and ability to work within constraints (time, brand guidelines).

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical demonstration of skills through portfolio review and potential design challenges, with a strong focus on strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process for simplifying complex technical concepts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design system management. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for a wide range of graphic design, branding, and collateral creation tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like Adobe XD or InVision for specific prototyping needs.

• Motion Design Software: Such as After Effects, if motion design capabilities are included.

• Front-end Development Tools: Basic understanding of HTML/CSS implies comfort with web development workflows and potentially using tools like VS Code.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The "Nice-to-haves" like motion design and front-end knowledge suggest an appreciation for a broader skillset that can enhance visual communication and product integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design execution across all disciplines – from brand identity to UI.

• Clarity & Simplicity: The ability to distill complex scientific and technical ideas into clear, elegant, and understandable visual systems.

• Collaboration & Communication: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams (data scientists, engineers, product leaders) and communicating design rationale clearly.

• Adaptability & Agility: Comfort in a fast-paced environment, moving seamlessly between strategic brand initiatives and quick-turn production design tasks.

• Innovation & Curiosity: An eagerness to explore new design approaches and apply them to cutting-edge scientific and technological challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in product development and marketing strategy, working closely with technical and business stakeholders.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that embraces constructive feedback to refine designs and ensures that design decisions are well-informed by user needs and business objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design trends, and insights across the team to foster collective growth and maintain high standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are not only skilled designers but also strategic thinkers and effective communicators, capable of thriving in a technical and fast-paced environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge will be consistently translating intricate scientific and technical concepts into accessible and engaging visual designs for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Brand & Product: Effectively managing the dual demands of maintaining a strong, cohesive brand identity while also designing intuitive and functional product interfaces.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of a growing company, which may involve frequent design changes and quick turnarounds on projects.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring design vision aligns with technical capabilities and business goals across different departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Applied Science: Gaining a deeper understanding of Valkyrie's core technologies and scientific innovations, which can fuel more insightful and impactful design.

• Advanced Design Systems: Contributing to the evolution and scalability of design systems for complex products.

• Motion Design/Technical Skills: Opportunities to develop or enhance skills in motion graphics, front-end development, or data visualization, as indicated by preferred qualifications.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Potential to influence broader company strategy through design, taking on more responsibility in brand direction and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of design and cutting-edge science, presenting significant intellectual and creative challenges that can drive substantial professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical or complex concept into a clear visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, simplification, and impact).

• "How do you balance maintaining brand consistency with the need for creative expression across different mediums like marketing collateral and product interfaces?" (Highlight strategic thinking and brand stewardship).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Valkyrie and our work in applied science?" (Show genuine curiosity and research into the company's mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and data scientists who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, and finding common ground).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes (Brand, Marketing, Product) or by project impact. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your process, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in Figma, Adobe Suite, design systems, typography, and your ability to translate complex information.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. For product design, include user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes. For brand work, show brand guides, logo applications, and collateral examples.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, trade-offs, and how you would approach future design challenges at Valkyrie.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating a clear design process, demonstrating strategic thinking, and showcasing the ability to bridge the gap between complex technical information and user-friendly design solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand & Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Rippling.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with brand identity, marketing collateral, and product/UX design. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on projects that involved translating complex information or working in fast-paced environments.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects. Ensure they demonstrate your versatility, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and your ability to handle complex technical concepts visually. Prepare to walk through your process and rationale for each.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio to articulate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration approach. Be ready to discuss specific case studies in detail.

• Research Valkyrie: Understand Valkyrie's mission, industry, and any publicly available product information. Consider how your design skills can contribute to their specific challenges in applied science.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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